'Where's OUR apology?': Enzo Maresca claims Man City have waited THREE years for call from referees' boss Howard Webb as he hits back at Erling Haaland row

· DailyMail

Enzo Maresca declared that Manchester City are still waiting on an apology from referees' chief Howard Webb for a controversial derby goal in 2023.

Enzo Maresca declared that Manchester City are still waiting on an apology from referees’ chief Howard Webb for a controversial derby goal in 2023.

The weekend victory at Old Trafford was enveloped by controversy, Pro Ref admitting a mistake by the VAR officials for awarding Erling Haaland ’s 60th-minute goal despite Enzo Fernandez interfering with play in an offside position.

Webb was in contact with Manchester United in the immediate aftermath, with VAR Matt Donohue and assistant Blake Antrobus stood down for the coming week’s Premier League matches.

Maresca questioned why that process was different to the one City experienced when he was Pep Guardiola ’s assistant in City’s Treble campaign.

Bruno Fernandes had equalised for United at Old Trafford in January 2023 despite Marcus Rashford seemingly interfering with play while stood offside. A discombobulated City then conceded another to Rashford minutes later.

> ‘Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes it goes against you,’ Maresca said. ‘Three years ago when I was here, the same thing happened to us against Man United and we lost to them in the derby there.

> ‘The goal was not a regular goal if you remember. And no one apologises. We are still waiting for the apology for that. Sometimes it goes for and against.’

Maresca chose to shift focus on to City’s performance on Sunday, a result celebrated wildly in front of the away section, opening up an eight-point gap between the rivals after four games.

> ‘To talk about one moment after that game when we played for 70, 75 minutes with 10 players is quite poor,’ the Italian added. ‘I think the performance was unbelievable and I'm pleased.

> ‘It is not easy for the VAR and those in front of the screen who make a decision in 10-20 seconds. It is not easy for them. People make mistakes, I make mistakes, players make mistakes.

> ‘It is not easy to be in front of the screen and make a decision in 20 seconds, two minutes. It is complicated also for them.’

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